Video Chess

Video Chess
Video Chess Manual (Front Cover)
Publisher(s)	Texas Instruments (TI)
Original Retail Price	$69.95 (USD)
Programmer(s)	Tom Merrow
Part#	PHM 3008
Format(s)	Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module
Release	1979 (2nd Quarter)
Genre(s)	Board Game, Strategy

Video Chess is a strategy/board game software title created for the TI-99/4 and TI-99/4A home computer system. It was originally released during the 2nd quarter of 1979 on Solid State Software^TM Command Module with part number PHM 3008. It was programmed by Texas Instruments (TI) programmer Tom Merrow and originally retailed for $69.95.

Advertising Blurbs

Front Cover of Manual

Choose your own opponent - or play against the computer on any of 3 levels. With this module, your computer can serve as a willing teacher - or a challenging opponent.

Back Cover of Manual

For centuries, chess has been a challenging game enjoyed equally by beginners and masters. The Video Chess Command Module brings a new dimension to the game through your TI Home Computer. Now you'll always have a tireless opponent whose skill level you can set - from beginner, through novice, to intermediate. And if you want, you and a friend can play chess, with your computer making the moves, keeping track of time, noting whose move it is, all while keeping a complete record of the game.

Video chess module activities are designed to give you several playing options:

• Play Beginner Game - Play against the computer at the beginning skill level in a normal style of play.
• Choose Game Type - Choose the type of games you want to play against by selecting the computer's skill level and style of play (from losing to aggressive).
• Use Chessboard - Use the Video Chess module's chessboard to play a game against a friend.
• Set up a Problem - Set up a special chess position other than the normal games with your TI Home Computer.
• Play Simultaneously - Play as many as nine simultaneous games with your TI Home Computer (with 16K bytes of memory).
• Load Cassette Games - Use a cassette tape recorder to store and then re-enter a favorite fame of an unfinished game for later completion.

Triton Catalog - Fall 1984

A powerful, easy-to-use program for chess players of all ages and levels of skill. You play an opponent or the computer. Tracks moves, helps you when you wish, even stores games for later replay. You control the level of difficulty. Developed with the assistance of International Master David Levy

Manual

PREFACE

Chess is a wonderful game for many reasons. Its rules are simple enough to be learned in a few minutes; yet it is so complex that every game is different. It can be enjoyed equally by beginners and masters. It can be played quickly, with only a few seconds' thought spent on each move, or it can take many minutes, hours or even days to make a move. Chess can be played by telephone or by mail; by people suffering from almost any physical disability; in fair weather or in foul; for fun or for serious competition. It requires no special equipment, apart from the chess clocks used in competitions (and the Video Chess module has its own built-in chess clock). Above all, chess is great fun.

I have been playing chess for more than twenty years. It has given me untold pleasure, just as it has brought pleasure to those many millions of people who have played the game since it was invented, probably in India, some fourteen centuries ago. We have designed the Video Chess module so that you will be able to share in this wonderful experience and improve your game. W hether you are learning chess for the first time or have played before, the Video Chess module welcomes you to its club.

David Levy

International Master

INTRODUCTION

The Video Chess Solid State Software^TM Command Module is designed for your enjoyment of chess. It's easy to use - it keeps track of all of the moves, gives you help if you want it, and provides a challenging, tireless opponent. You decide the level of skill for the computer (beginner, novice, or intermediate). And if you just want to use the computer as a chess set when playing against another opponent, the Video Chess module will make the moves for you, keep track of time, note whose move it is and keep a running record of the game. Whether you're playing against a friend or the computer, you can save your game for later replay to review your brilliant plays - or to figure out the crucial move that cost you the game! All of this - and more - is readily available with your Video Chess module.

Because this module is designed not only for the beginner, but also for those who already know how to play chess, we've divided the manual into two major sections:

• If You're just Beginning The first section briefly describes "How to Play Chess." If you've never played chess before, or if you want to brush up on the rules, we suggest that you read this section before using the module.

• If You Already Play Chess The second section, "Using the Solid State Software Command Module," gets you right into how to use the Video Chess module. If you're familiar with chess, you can skip the first section, start on page 24, and immediately begin using the module.

Downloads

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  Video Chess 1979 Cartridge (Black label on Black Cartridge)

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  Video Chess 1983 Cartridge (Black label on Beige Cartridge)

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  Video Chess 1983 Cartridge (Red label on Beige Cartridge)

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  Video Chess 1979 Manual Cover (Black & White)

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  Video Chess Manual Cover (Old-Style)

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  Video Chess Manual Cover (Modern-Style)

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  Video Chess Manual Complete (pdf format)

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  TI Invaders MAME/MESS Rom (rpk format)

External links

• TI-99ers On-line User Group: TI-99 Cartridge Listing
• TI-99/4A Video Game House: Video Chess